Celebrating Peer Mentoring Success: Our Journey and Achievements
At the heart of the St Lukes community, our Peer Mentoring programme has been instrumental in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for postgraduate students. As we reflect on our journey, especially after receiving the Postgraduate Experience Award at the Guild Awards 2024, it becomes evident how our collective efforts have made a significant impact.
Our Journey: From Modest Beginnings to Meaningful Impact
The 'Buddy Up' Peer Mentoring scheme in the School of Education began with a small group of 10 students. Driven by a passion for supporting our peers, we have since grown to support 60 students, embodying the spirit of community and mentorship. Our programme’s growth is a testament to the dedication and proactive approach of our mentors who have tirelessly worked to ensure each student feels valued and supported.
The 'Buddy Up' Peer Mentoring scheme in the School of Education began with a small group of 10 students. Driven by a passion for supporting our peers, we have since grown to support 60 students, embodying the spirit of community and mentorship. Our programme’s growth is a testament to the dedication and proactive approach of our mentors who have tirelessly worked to ensure each student feels valued and supported.
Creating a Sense of Belonging
One of the core principles of our mentoring programme is to foster a sense of belonging among postgraduate students. We recognise that transitioning to postgraduate studies can be challenging, especially for international students, student parents, and mature students. Our mentors have been pivotal in creating a welcoming environment through various initiatives:
One of the core principles of our mentoring programme is to foster a sense of belonging among postgraduate students. We recognise that transitioning to postgraduate studies can be challenging, especially for international students, student parents, and mature students. Our mentors have been pivotal in creating a welcoming environment through various initiatives:
- Social Events: Organising social gatherings and activities that allow students to connect and build friendships.
- One-on-One Guidance: Providing personalised academic and pastoral support tailored to individual needs.
- Open Communication: Maintaining open lines of communication through dedicated Teams chat groups where students can reach out anytime for advice or support.
Embracing Internationalism and Inclusivity
Our programme is deeply rooted in the values of internationalism and inclusivity. We celebrate the diverse backgrounds and cultures of our student body, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, receive the support they need to thrive. This commitment is reflected in our mentoring practices and the inclusive events we organise.
Our programme is deeply rooted in the values of internationalism and inclusivity. We celebrate the diverse backgrounds and cultures of our student body, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, receive the support they need to thrive. This commitment is reflected in our mentoring practices and the inclusive events we organise.
Achievements and Recognition
Our efforts have not gone unnoticed. The Postgraduate Experience Award at the Guild Awards 2024 is a prestigious recognition of the positive impact we have made on the postgraduate experience at Exeter. This award celebrates our innovative approach to mentoring and our commitment to fostering a supportive environment for all students.
Our efforts have not gone unnoticed. The Postgraduate Experience Award at the Guild Awards 2024 is a prestigious recognition of the positive impact we have made on the postgraduate experience at Exeter. This award celebrates our innovative approach to mentoring and our commitment to fostering a supportive environment for all students.
Looking Ahead: Our Vision for the Future
As we move forward, our vision is to continue expanding our reach and impact. We aim to collaborate with other departments and secure additional resources to enhance our mentoring programme further. Our goal is to ensure that every postgraduate student at Exeter feels supported, valued, and part of a vibrant community.
As we move forward, our vision is to continue expanding our reach and impact. We aim to collaborate with other departments and secure additional resources to enhance our mentoring programme further. Our goal is to ensure that every postgraduate student at Exeter feels supported, valued, and part of a vibrant community.
The success of our Peer Mentoring programme is a collective achievement that underscores the power of community and support. We are proud of what we have accomplished and remain committed to making a difference in the lives of our peers. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey, and we look forward to continuing our work in creating an inclusive and supportive environment at St Lukes.
